Contrary to online reports, Grand Hustle Records -- the label formed by T.I. and Jason Geter and distributed by Atlantic Records -- has not been dismantled.

Geter, Grand Hustle's co-CEO, spoke exclusively with Billboard.com's The Juice to set the record straight. "Number one, Grand Hustle is definitely not dismantled," Geter says. "We unfortunately did downsize [staff] and relocate. We're doing business, just in a lighter way -- smarter way, due to our current situation." 

It's been tough a past few months for the Atlanta-based record label. It's star artist and co-CEO, T.I. was sentenced to eleven months in jail after violating his probation. T.I. released his last album, "No Mercy," (2010)  December, while still behind bars.

Geter isn't denying the recent downturn, though. "It's no secret we've taken hits, back to back, with Tip's absence," he says, adding that the decision to downsize and relocate the Grand Hustle office was discussed directly with T.I. "We're partners. We talk about everything, no matter if he's in or he's out. It's Grand Hustle, so we communicate with one another.

"We don't have much business to do...why pay people when unfortunately there's not much going on?" Geter continues. "Same thing that the major labels are doing, it's no different. Supply and demand, at the end of the day. It's just the way of the business."


Geter now personally manages California hip-hop trio Pac Div, who along with Young Dro, Killer Mike, and Dee-1, has been on Grand Hustle's Grind 'N Hustle tour since Apr. 1.

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Geter also assured us that T.I.'s Akoo clothing line, on its third year in stores, is "doing better than ever."